The CBA Foundation StartSmart Facilitators
Commonwealth Bank Foundation StartSmart facilitators are selected, trained and mentored by National Speakers Association Speaker of the Year 2006, Peter Sheahan. Ably assisted by top-ten World University Debating Champion, Dominic Thurbon, Peter has assembled a world class team of facilitators whose dynamic and engaging styles allow them to motivate and excite students around their financial futures. With speakers based all across the country, the StartSmart facilitators are never far from your local school and are ready to come in and impart valuable skills and knowledge in financial literacy.

Sean Murphy (NSW)
Before heading up our StartSmart Primary team, Sean divided his time between the United Nations in New York and being Superman at kid's parties. As handy with Japanese as he is with improvised theatre, for years Sean has worked at teaching and entertaining kids in equal measure. An indefatigable speaker with a do-gooder streak, Sean can be relied upon to inspire audiences with his passion and energy.

Hayley Barrett (NSW)
A star of the StartSmart Secondary School team, Hayley returns to us after 18 months working in the United States. Not only a captivating presenter, she has long pursued her passion for engaging youth on important issues. After completing a degree in Applied Theatre at Griffith University, Hayley was instrumental in the establishment of anti-bullying programs Fair Go and Acting Against Bullying in Queensland secondary schools.

Jessica Manning (QLD)
Jessica has been involved in developing and delivering creative presentations in a wide range of settings. Coming from a performing arts and visual design background, Jessica has communication skills at both corporate and community levels that enable her to be well received by all audiences. Jessica believes the learning process should be fun and always aims to inject humour, personal insight and inspiration into her presentations. Her work with children in the education and recreation arenas has inspired in her a desire to see Generation Y become a well equipped, passionate generation that will be empowered to take control of their financial futures.

Emily Gilhome (QLD)
Emily has a strong interest in business, the performing arts, and driving social change.
She has experience within the arts and finance industries working as a business adviser, and has also managed her own independent theatre company for several years. Most recently, Emily worked as a financial planner with a local Brisbane firm, assisting individuals in finding financial solutions to improve their quality of life.
As a StartSmart facilitator, Emily combines her business knowledge and passion for performing with a 'can do' attitude to deliver sessions that are engaging, informative and always entertaining.

Alev Basarin (VIC)
Alev is one of our youngest facilitators yet she brings to her role a maturity and work ethic well beyond her years.  This is due in part to her working successfully in a diverse cross section of jobs and activities during and since completing secondary school in 2007. Alev has studied Interior Design at RMIT University. There, she honed her skills in presenting a new set of innovative ideas to groups of people on a weekly basis. Alev's creative and energetic style of facilitation is fuelled by her passion and belief in giving the next generation effective tools to manage their money now and in the future.

Stephanie Jenkins (VIC)
Stephanie has always been a performer, from her childhood into her adult life. After recently completing a Bachelor of Science at Monash University, Stephanie worked as an educator in schools, teaching children about our native Australian animals. Based on feedback from those she has taught, Stephanie is a skilled communicator who can adjust her presentation style to suit the needs of the audience. She has worked with students from diverse ethnic backgrounds both in Australia and overseas. She has worked with primary school aged children significantly throughout her career as a coach and educator, and is passionate about expanding students' life skills as a way to ensure them a better future.

Melissa Allen (National)
Melissa has graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Arts degree; studying journalism, professional writing and theatre arts. Coming from a library background, Melissa has extensive experience working with children, developing and presenting storytime sessions and youth programs. She has also appeared in a number of theatre productions. Melissa is a natural entertainer and her enthusiasm is infectious. Melissa is dedicated to motivating and inspiring young people throughout Australia to kick start their financial future.